Tech Talk
FCRF Excellence Awards 2025: Celebrating Women Pioneers in Cybersecurity and Cybercrime Prevention
New Delhi– The FutureCrime Research Foundation (FCRF) honored the extraordinary contributions of women in cybersecurity and cybercrime prevention during the FutureCrime Summit 2025, held on February 13-14 at the Dr. Ambedkar International Center in New Delhi.
The event, which brought together global leaders, policymakers, and experts, highlighted the critical role women play in shaping a safer digital future.
The FCRF Excellence Awards 2025 celebrated women who have broken barriers, led innovations, and set new benchmarks in their respective fields. From cyber policing to digital forensics, entrepreneurship, and cyber law, these trailblazers have demonstrated exceptional leadership and expertise in tackling the complex challenges of cybercrime.
Nominations are open for Honouring Women in Cyberspace on International Women’s Day 2025- Nominate Now!
A Tribute to Women Leading the Charge Against Cybercrime
The FCRF Excellence Awards 2025 recognized women across various categories, underscoring their invaluable contributions to cybersecurity and cybercrime prevention. Here’s a closer look at the winners and their remarkable achievements:
FCRF Excellence Awards in Cyber Policing
Women in law enforcement have been at the forefront of combating cybercrime, often working in challenging environments to ensure justice and safety.
- Ankita Sharma, Superintendent of Police (SP) in Sakti, Chhattisgarh, was honored for her relentless efforts in addressing cybercrime in rural and underserved areas.
- Sangeeta Mazumdar, a constable with the Andaman & Nicobar Police, was recognized for her innovative approaches to cybercrime prevention in remote regions.
Sangeeta Mazumdar receiving her award at FutureCrime Summit 2025.
- Anjana Tudu, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) in Odisha, received accolades for her leadership in high-profile cybercrime investigations and her commitment to justice.
- Prabhjot Kaur, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) in the Cyber Crime Wing of Punjab Police, was awarded the FCRF Excellence Award in Women Cyber Cop for her exceptional work in tackling cybercrime and ensuring digital safety in Punjab.
Prabhjot Kaur receiving her award at FutureCrime Summit 2025.
FCRF Excellence Awards for Digital Forensics
Digital forensics is a critical field in solving cybercrimes, and women are making significant strides in this domain.
- Anjana K, Scientific Officer at the Telangana Forensic Science Laboratory, was awarded for her groundbreaking work in digital forensics, which has been instrumental in solving complex cybercrime cases.
FCRF Excellence Awards for Cyber Security Entrepreneurship
Women entrepreneurs are driving innovation and creating solutions to address emerging cyber threats.
- Sneha Katkar, Head of Strategy and Product Custodian at Quick Heal Technologies Limited, was celebrated for her visionary leadership in developing cutting-edge cybersecurity products.
Sneha Katkar receiving her award at FutureCrime Summit 2025.
- Dr. Shifa Cyclewala, Director of Hacktify Cyber Security, was honored for her entrepreneurial spirit and contributions to cybersecurity innovation.
Dr. Shifa Cyclewala receiving her award at FutureCrime Summit 2025.
FCRF Excellence Awards for Forensic Audit
Forensic auditing plays a crucial role in detecting and preventing financial fraud.
- Shweta Ajmera, Founder of S Ajmera & Co., was recognized for her outstanding contributions to forensic auditing and fraud risk management.
FCRF Excellence Awards for Information Security
Information security professionals are the backbone of organizational cybersecurity.
- Seema Goel, Information Security Advisor at the United Nations, was awarded for her exemplary work in strengthening global cybersecurity frameworks.
Seema Goel receiving her award at FutureCrime Summit 2025.
FCRF Excellence Awards for Cyber Education and Training
Educators and trainers are shaping the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.
- Dr. Surbhi Mathur, Associate Dean at SFS, NFSU, was honored for her efforts in advancing cyber education and nurturing future talent.
- Dr. Surabhi Pandey, Professor at the Indian Institute of Public Administration, received the Cyber Security Training award for her contributions to cybersecurity education.
Dr. Surbhi Pandey receiving her award at FutureCrime Summit 2025.
- Dr. Manisha Nene, a renowned researcher and faculty member at DIAT Pune, was awarded the FCRF Excellence Award in Cyber Education for her pioneering work in AI ethics, cybersecurity, and responsible AI frameworks.
Dr. Manisha Nene receiving her award at FutureCrime Summit 2025.
FCRF Excellence Awards for Cyber Psychology
Understanding the psychological aspects of cybercrime is essential for prevention and rehabilitation.
- Dr. Manini Srivastava, Cyber Psychologist and Assistant Professor at the University of Lucknow, was celebrated for her research on the psychological dimensions of cybercrime.
Dr. Manini Srivastava receiving her award at FutureCrime Summit 2025.
FCRF Excellence Awards for Information Security Auditing
Information security auditing ensures the integrity and safety of digital systems.
- Uplabdhi Singh, Application Security Specialist at Revvity, was honored for her contributions to information security auditing.
Uplabdhi Singh receiving her award at FutureCrime Summit 2025.
FCRF Excellence Awards for Cyber Awareness
Raising awareness about cyber threats is key to building a safer digital ecosystem.
- Mehnaz Perveen, Vice President (Trust & Safety) at Paytm, was recognized for her work in promoting cyber awareness and user safety.
Mehnaz Perveen receiving her award at FutureCrime Summit 2025.
FCRF Excellence Awards for Cyber Law
Cyber law experts play a pivotal role in shaping policies and ensuring justice in the digital realm.
- Adv. Puneet Bhasin, Expert Advisor to the United Nations DPG Privacy Standard and Founder of Cyberjure Legal Consulting, was awarded for her contributions to cyber law and policy-making.
Adv. Puneet Bhasin receiving her award at FutureCrime Summit 2025.
FCRF Excellence Awards for Leadership in Digital Forensics Research
Research in digital forensics is critical for staying ahead of cybercriminals.
- Dija S, Associate Director and Scientist at CDAC, was recognized for her leadership in digital forensics research.
Dija S receiving her award at FutureCrime Summit 2025.
FCRF Excellence Awards for Cyber Security Education
Educators are instrumental in building a skilled workforce to tackle cyber threats.
- Moutan Sarkar, Service Delivery Manager at TCS, was celebrated for her contributions to cybersecurity education.
A Celebration of Women’s Leadership and Innovation
The FutureCrime Summit 2025 was not just an awards ceremony but a celebration of women’s leadership, innovation, and resilience in the face of evolving cyber threats. The event featured panel discussions, workshops, and keynote speeches that highlighted the importance of diversity and inclusion in cybersecurity.
A Message of Empowerment and Collaboration
In his closing remarks, FCRF Cheif Mentor Prof. Triveni Singh emphasized the importance of empowering women in cybersecurity. “The winners of the FCRF Excellence Awards 2025 are a testament to the power of women in driving change and innovation. Their achievements inspire us to continue working towards a more inclusive and secure digital future,” he said.
As the FutureCrime Summit 2025 concluded, it left attendees inspired and motivated to continue their efforts in combating cybercrime. The FCRF Excellence Awards not only celebrated the achievements of women but also set the stage for future collaborations and innovations in the field of cybersecurity.